The trades-man's calling being a discourse concerning the nature, necessity, choice, &c. of a…

1. In point of Justice and Equity. Justice (1) to a Man's Self; he that is useless in the World, steals from himself; and hereupon this Duty falls under the Eighth Commandment, which saith, Thou shalt not steal. Which condemns all such Omissions, as turn to the prejudice of ones self in his outward Estate; and certainly an honest Diligence in any lawful Calling, with the Blessing of God, would greatly increase a small Estate, and enable a Man to live more comfortably himself, and more usefully to others.

1. In point of Justice and Equity. Justice (1) to a Man's Self; he that is useless in the World, steals from himself; and hereupon this Duty falls under the Eighth Commandment, which saith, Thou shalt not steal. Which condemns all such Omissions, as turn to the prejudice of ones self in his outward Estate; and certainly an honest Diligence in any lawful Calling, with the Blessing of God, would greatly encrease a small Estate, and enable a Man to live more comfortably himself, and more usefully to others.

(2.) Justice to a Man's Family requires it: For, If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own House, he hath denied the Faith, and is worse than an Infidel. 1 Tim. 5. 8. So that a Person without a Calling, so far robs his own Family; for by his Care and Pains they might live more comfortably, and be disposed more happily. And the idle Parent is also a ready Copy for the idle Child to write after; till at length, By much Slothfulness the Building decays, and through Idleness of the Hands the House droppeth through; Eccles. 10. 18. And at last, Drowsiness covers them all with Rags; Prov. 23. 21. Whereas the Industrious Spinster is not afraid of the Snow for her Household; for all her Household are clothed with Scarlet. She maketh her self Coverings of Tapestry, her Clothing is Silk and Purple; Prov. 31. 21